Who We Are

The East Mountain Community Chorus grew out of the vision of its founder, the late Rosalie Gibbs, in 1987. Rosalie, the music director of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cedar Crest, NM, brought together volunteers from many different denominations to sing Handel's Messiah as an outreach to both the community and to the singers themselves. Since the East Mountain Community Chorus has continued to sing the Messiah at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church every December since 1987, 2016 will be the 29th year of this tradition.

Our Messiah presentations have had an amazing turn-out of enthusiastic, talented singers and orchestral musicians. In addition to presenting the Messiah, some years our Chorus has also honored Mother's Day with a May concert.

All participants in the East Mountain Community Chorus, including the director, concert coordinators, singers and musicians, are volunteers who give of their time and talents to make each concert presentation a special event. Auditions are not needed for Chorus members, but are required for soloists and orchestra members. They are scheduled for the Sunday before the weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals begin.